Walking into a kitchen with outdated, damaged, or simply drab cabinets can suck the joy out of cooking dinner. You might dream of a sleek, modern space, but the thought of a full renovation—and the massive price tag that comes with it—stops you in your tracks. Tearing out your entire kitchen feels overwhelming, expensive, and messy.
Fortunately, you don’t have to gut your kitchen to get the look you want. Cabinet refacing offers a middle ground that transforms your space without the headache of a complete remodel. It’s the perfect solution for homeowners who want high-end style, durability, and affordability all in one package.
What Exactly Is Cabinet Refacing?
Think of cabinet refacing as a facelift for your kitchen. Instead of demolishing your entire cabinet system, the sturdy cabinet boxes remain in place. The transformation happens on the surface: your existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts are removed and replaced with brand-new ones in the style and color of your choice.
Finally, the exterior of the cabinet boxes is covered with a matching veneer to ensure a seamless, brand-new look. This process stands in stark contrast to a full cabinet replacement, which involves ripping out everything down to the studs and starting from scratch. Refacing focuses on what is visible, saving the structure that is still functional.
The Price Tag: Refacing vs. Replacing
The biggest question on every homeowner’s mind is the cost. Is the savings really that significant? The short answer is yes.
According to data from Modernize, the average cost of a cabinet refacing project is around $6,750. While this price varies based on materials and kitchen size, it is a fraction of what you would pay for a full renovation.
In comparison, a complete cabinet replacement typically costs between $25,000 and $30,000—and that number can climb significantly higher depending on the scope of the project. When you choose to reface, you keep thousands of dollars in your pocket while still getting that “brand new kitchen” feeling.
Why Does Refacing Cost So Much Less?
The savings come down to three main categories: materials, labor, and the avoidance of “surprise” costs.
1. Materials
With a full replacement, you are paying for entirely new cabinet boxes, which require a lot of lumber and manufacturing. With refacing, you are reusing the boxes you already have. By purchasing fewer materials, your baseline costs drop immediately.
2. Labor
Demolishing a kitchen is heavy, time-consuming work. Installing new cabinets requires precise leveling and carpentry. Refacing requires far less demolition and reconstruction, meaning the labor hours are significantly reduced.
3. Hidden Costs
When you rip out old cabinets, you often uncover problems you didn’t know existed—damaged drywall, unfinished flooring gaps, or plumbing issues. These surprises can blow up your budget instantly. Since refacing leaves the boxes in place, you avoid disturbing the walls and floors, keeping your budget predictable.
A Faster Path to Your Dream Kitchen
Beyond the financial savings, refacing saves you time. A full kitchen remodel can leave you without a functional kitchen for weeks or even months as you wait for demolition, delivery, and installation.
Cabinet refacing is incredibly efficient. Most projects have a turnaround time of just 3 to 5 days. You can have your dream kitchen by the weekend, with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Factors That Influence Your Final Quote
While refacing is consistently cheaper than replacing, the final price tag does depend on the specifics of your kitchen.
- Kitchen Size: Naturally, a kitchen with 30 cabinets will cost more to reface than a kitchenette with 10.
- Hardware: Swapping out old handles for modern pulls or designer knobs adds a small cost but makes a huge visual impact.
- Custom Accents: Adding crown molding, light rails, or decorative legs can elevate the look but will increase the budget.
- Upgrades: Features like glass panel doors, soft-close hinges, pull-out trash bins, or wine racks allow for customization at an additional cost.
- Lighting: Many homeowners choose to add under-cabinet lighting during the process for better functionality and ambiance.
Why Choose N-Hance?
If you are looking for cabinet refacing in Glen Ellyn or the surrounding areas, it is crucial to choose a partner who values quality as much as you do.
N-Hance of Chicago goes beyond standard refacing. We focus on retaining your high-quality hardwood cabinet boxes, which is a sustainable choice that keeps perfectly good lumber out of landfills. Our process is eco-friendly, cleaner, and faster than traditional methods.
We also offer proprietary technologies, like our Lightspeed® UV finish, which instantly cures your cabinets so they are ready for immediate use. Whether you want a classic wood look or a bold pop of color, our experts guide you through a wide range of styles and finishes to create a custom look that fits your home perfectly.
Transform Your Kitchen for Less
You don’t need to spend a fortune to fall in love with your kitchen again. Cabinet refacing offers the perfect blend of affordability, efficiency, and style. You get the durability of your existing layout with the fresh, modern aesthetic of a new build.Ready to see what your kitchen could look like? Contact N-Hance of Chicago today to schedule your free consultation and get a price estimate. Let us help you bring your vision to life without breaking the bank.